This is a rather unique question, as most people discuss
the title in terms of Gene's separate peace, rather than Finny. I
would argue that from the beginning, Finny has a separate peace. He is at ease with
everyone around him, and he genuinely seems to be a likable and affable character. He
remains friends with Gene throughout the novel, even though Gene plots his downfall and
admits to pushing him out of the tree. In fact, after the accident, Finny becomes
increasingly dependent on Gene.
It is only when Finny
applies for and is rejected from every branch of the military that he needs his
"separate peace". Devastated by his inability to join the war effort, Finny seeks any
kind of outlet for his sorrow. He finds that through Gene as well. By training Gene for
the Olympics, Finny is essentially living vicariously through his friend. That too is
shattered by the "trial" set up by Brinker and the other boys. Unfortunately, it is only
through his death that Finny truly achieves a separate peace. He is no longer attached
to Gene, and their frighteningly codependent relationship can no longer do
harm.
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